The National Anthem: A Symbol Of War

In September, in the year of 1918, people started singing the Star Spangled Banner for the first time at sports events and since then, it has become a tradition. Many sing The National Anthem to show their allegiance or pride for their country. Some say we should continue with the tradition because it proves our love for and devotion to our country. However, America has become a melting pot. Since many today now consider themselves world citizens and don’t adhere to strictly American traditions, maybe the song is not relevant for our day. Truly, people should discontinue singing the National Anthem at sporting events because it conveys a symbol of war - not sports, it has nothing to do with our day, and not everyone sings The National Anthem.

We should suspend singing the National Anthem for three reasons - because it is an emblem of war, it has nothing to do with our day, and not many relate to the National Anthem’s message in our time.

First and foremost, the National Anthem is not about patriotism or nationalism or even sports itself: it’s indication of war. It talks about rockets flying and “bombs bursting in air” when the whole reason we go to sports games is to have fun and to see our favorite teams play in games against their contenders. If this is a song that promotes war and when we bring kids to these events, this kids may come to grow up to have violent thoughts. Secondly, it has nothing to do with our day. America is not the same as it was almost 100 as America has more diversity than it ever had. To make this clear, not everyone in America is “American” by culture, therefore many “American” citizens do not relate to it’s message. Lastly, not many sing the National Anthem in today’s generation. Some just don’t know the words; even professional singers forget the words to their own national anthem. Others may say the notes are impossible to reach for average people. Either way, this song is not reminiscent to our day. Conclusively, the American people should cease to sing the National Anthem; yet, some disagree.

Some people think that we should continue singing the National Anthem - loud and proud. They see sporting events as a way to unite people into one voice. Others say it is a way to show respect to veterans and the military. Still, some say that it is meaningful tradition. All three points of view on this subject are wrong because when people go to sporting events, they would much rather see their favorite team destroy foes rather than listen to the same song every single time they go there. Singing the Star Spangled Banner seems like it is becoming more of a sisyphean task than a

custom.
Ultimately, we should discontinue singing the National Anthem at sports events. It transmits an image a war, has little to do with our day, and not everyone sings the National Anthem. People should stop singing the National Anthem at sports events as many view it as a pointless task that is performed at a non-relevant event. A man named Norman Lebrecht once said at an interview, “At a football game, it [the National Anthem] creates an illusion of unity.”